Page 108

She tipped her head, studying him now, and he did not want to know what she saw.

“I think you should talk to her.”

“Is that a vision or just your opinion?”

Lena smiled. “My opinion. But I think it’s a good one.” And for the first time, Theo could almost understand why Knox wanted Lena’s help. Wouldn’t it be nice if she’d seen his future and it contained Phoebe? Wouldn’t it be nice to know for certain that the choice you were making was the right one?

How tempting to have the ability to know what was coming.

But from what he could tell, Lena’s powers didn’t really work that way. She wasn’t a Magic 8 Ball. She wasn’t a fortune cookie.

He didn’t know how any of it worked, but he hoped that Lena would find the peace she was looking for.

As for taking her advice, he wasn’t sure about that at all.

“Let’s get back to your party.”

She handed him his coat, and they made their way into the bar. Tom was mid-speech when they entered.

“I just wanted to thank everyone for their efforts this week,” he said, his glass raised. “It was a true testament to what Maple Hollow can accomplish for one of our own in a time of crisis.”

“Here, here!” A cheer went up from the crowd and Theo shook his head.

“They do know they didn’t actually find you, right?” he whispered in Lena’s ear as they walked through the smiling townsfolk.

“It’s the thought that counts,” Lena whispered back, and Theo couldn’t help his laugh. It didn’t make any sense, but maybe she was right. The whole town was looking out for her whether they were the ones who found her or not.

“Thanks, everyone,” Lena said, joining Tom by the bar. “I’m only back for a short time, though.”

The crowd groaned in protest.

“I’ll be staying with friends for a while, but I wanted you all to know. So no one gets worried,” she added with a laugh and the bar joined her.

Theo couldn’t believe she was actually returning willingly to his brother, but he caught Rafe with his arm slung around Ruby’s shoulder, a content smile on his face, and he thought crazier things had already happened.

And a small part of him was jealous of Lena.

Being back with his pack, even though it had only been for a couple of days, had felt so good. He’d been home. And he’d actually let himself imagine what it would be like to go back permanently.

But after what happened, he just felt like a fool.

How could he go back now?

He hadn’t even said goodbye to Ryder or his mother or anyone else. He’d raced off after his fight with Fee. Once again, he’d fled.

And he was too fucking embarrassed to go back.

“Where’s Phoebe?” Dolores had appeared at his elbow.

“I don’t know.”

She frowned at him.

“Why not?”

He glared at her.

“You know what? Doesn’t matter,” she said, grabbing his arm. “Sal has been chatting up Sierra all night and I’m sick of it.”